2 New Things I Learned this week

October 3, 2009

Dear Family,

This past week I learned about “Enduring to the end” and “How to teach like the Savior.”

Friday an older gentleman came into the office looking for the referral secretary. He had names of several nurses he wanted the missionaries to contact and teach.

This man’s wife had had a terminal illness and the nurses from hospice had cared for his wife up till the end. He said during his wife’s illness he had taught the nurses many things from the Book of Mormon and told them he was going to send them a copy of their own to read. That was why he was seeking the missionaries’ help.

Your dad had a delightful visit with him and then asked him when his wife had passed away. The man replied, “Wednesday. I came here Thursday but no one was here.” Here this sweet grandpa was out thinking of others and furthering the Lord’s work when he had just gone through such personal loss two days before—Amazing! He is a true example of enduring to the end. Not just making it through one crisis after another, but putting the Lord first and being out and about doing good. A truly amazing man!

This last week we had 3 Zone Conferences in East Cincinnati, South Cincinnati, and West Virginia. We decided to get up early and drive to West Virginia instead of staying overnight in a hotel like last time. We had not reckoned on all the ground fog so travel was a little stressful with the winding roads. When we crossed the Ohio River bridges you could only see white clouds below—no water.

In West Virginia the elders drive pickups because the roads are so bad. There are lots of dirt roads and potholes. We had Dr. Aldous from the church come and speak on health habits that will keep you well and he answered many questions.

The mission president had the elders bring sack lunches so the doctor could judge if they were eating good food. The majority of the elders passed. It was a real good test. The training at the conferences was very good, and dad got to show his new video he made of the sacred grove. Here it is in tiny form.

I am not sure I have mentioned our Gospel Essential Class? Our instructor, Sister Skinner, is a convert of 20 years and is a fireball. She has such a way of making everyone feel welcome and explains the gospel so simply. She radiates excitement and love for the Lord and living the gospel.

She loves to tease the missionaries and knows everyone’s name by the end of class and can remember the names clear till the following week—amazing. We meet in a large classroom but it still isn’t big enough. We are wall-to-wall bodies. Everyone loves the class. With an instructor like her you have no fear of bring investigators to class. I guess what I learn from her example is that I need to stick to the gospel basics when I teach, live worthy of the Holy Ghost’s influence so he can teach through me, and show my sincere love for everyone no matter their station in life.

Your dad and I love being missionaries and serving the Lord in this part of his vineyard. We love seeing how the gospel changes lives for the better. We miss you all more than you can imagine, but feel peace knowing our family will be blessed to the third and forth generation if we are valiant. Watch out for each other and follow the prophet’s counsel and then you will be safe and prepared for what life throws at you. We are so grateful for “you all.” Thanks again for email, pictures, and phone calls. You are the ray of light at the end of a busy day.

Love ya,

MOM and DAD

.